Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, remains with the team despite ongoing trade rumors. He was present at the team’s preseason finale in Las Vegas, signaling that his previously reported back injury has healed. Aiyuk has been a significant figure in trade discussions throughout the offseason, particularly since early August, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring him.
The Washington Commanders emerged as a serious contender in these trade talks, largely due to the interest of Adam Peters, who recently left his role as the 49ers’ assistant general manager to become the Commanders’ general manager. Peters has reportedly been keen on bringing Aiyuk to Washington, fueling speculation that a trade might be imminent.
A recent report highlighted by the San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver suggested that Washington should not be ruled out as a potential destination for Aiyuk. According to Ari Meriov on his podcast, the 49ers had indeed reached out to Washington, as Aiyuk expressed a desire to join the team and reunite with quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, the negotiations hit a roadblock due to disagreements over key players and draft picks.
The talks between the 49ers and the Commanders stalled primarily because Washington was unwilling to trade their star receiver Terry McLaurin, and the 49ers were not interested in Washington’s Jahan Dotson. Additionally, the 49ers demanded a first-round pick in any deal involving Aiyuk, which Washington’s GM Adam Peters refused, considering it a non-starter.
For the 49ers, trading Aiyuk would only make sense if they receive significant value in return, such as a WR1 or a first-round pick. With Aiyuk under contract for another season, the 49ers hold considerable leverage in any trade negotiations, allowing them to demand a high price or potentially retain the player if their terms are not met.
